Punta Riviera Bolinao: Pangasinan Series
For me, the best of the lesser evil resorts in Bolinao is Punta Riviera Resort, located in Brgy. Ilog Malino, which is before Brgy. Patar. So, it's nearer if you're coming from the Bolinao Town Proper. It's the first of the big resorts in a very expensive beach strip.
Expensive strip of resorts. We chose Punta Riviera because it offered the most value. Our Sunset Room cost P5,500 for 6 people, which is not that bad we thought. But when we saw how small the room was and how basic the furnishing were, I didn't think it was enough value. We were previously booked in another room, slightly bigger, but still with the same cheap furnishings. We opted to stay in the Sunset Room because it had a cabana and was even cheaper than the other room. Now that was weird, since the Sunset Room had a view of the sea and was bigger now because of the cabana.
Our room was also beside the beach access and the river. Now, this gave the bathroom a very funky smell of sewers. The non-tiled bathroom was small and had a lot of molds. Really, this wasn't value at all. The room we got in Anda for a day was almost the same in size and it cost P1,500 per night. Moving on, the huge resort had an infinity swimming pool, probably the best in the area as well. It had nice dining areas, and even a conference rooms for events.
However, it was the river that gave Punta Riviera an edge amongst the other resorts. You can kayak there for free for 30 minutes. Because we were there during the May Day weekend, the resort was packed, and there was a long line at the kayaks.
All the resorts in Bolinao are along this beach road, which extends all the way to Treasures of Bolinao (around 15 minutes away by private car). When I got to Bolinao, I was surprised that the coastline was long and divided into several beaches. I didn't know the name of the beach where Punta Riviera is situated, but it's a long and wide one as well.
Though the sand was not that fine, I was satisfied with its cleanliness. There was also a bar beside the beach, which was pleasant, sans the loud videoke music playing the whole day.
The shoreline was wide, and the water was clear and shallow. There was a breakwater far away from the beach, so the huge waves crashed far away, echoing deep rumbling sounds to the shore.
Despite the expensive rates, yucky meals (we were served the danggit and the worst hotdog for breakfast everyday), and below standard rooms, Punta Riviera is the safest choice in Bolinao. Yes, after seeing Treasures, and passing by the other resorts, I thought, Punta Riviera was the lesser evil. I do hope the resorts in Bolinao lower their rates and improve their standards. Compared to South East Asian resorts, Philippine resorts are way expensive and below standards. I really don't understand why.
For more information, visit the website of Punta Riviera Resort.
Expensive strip of resorts. We chose Punta Riviera because it offered the most value. Our Sunset Room cost P5,500 for 6 people, which is not that bad we thought. But when we saw how small the room was and how basic the furnishing were, I didn't think it was enough value. We were previously booked in another room, slightly bigger, but still with the same cheap furnishings. We opted to stay in the Sunset Room because it had a cabana and was even cheaper than the other room. Now that was weird, since the Sunset Room had a view of the sea and was bigger now because of the cabana.
Our room was also beside the beach access and the river. Now, this gave the bathroom a very funky smell of sewers. The non-tiled bathroom was small and had a lot of molds. Really, this wasn't value at all. The room we got in Anda for a day was almost the same in size and it cost P1,500 per night. Moving on, the huge resort had an infinity swimming pool, probably the best in the area as well. It had nice dining areas, and even a conference rooms for events.
However, it was the river that gave Punta Riviera an edge amongst the other resorts. You can kayak there for free for 30 minutes. Because we were there during the May Day weekend, the resort was packed, and there was a long line at the kayaks.
All the resorts in Bolinao are along this beach road, which extends all the way to Treasures of Bolinao (around 15 minutes away by private car). When I got to Bolinao, I was surprised that the coastline was long and divided into several beaches. I didn't know the name of the beach where Punta Riviera is situated, but it's a long and wide one as well.
Though the sand was not that fine, I was satisfied with its cleanliness. There was also a bar beside the beach, which was pleasant, sans the loud videoke music playing the whole day.
The shoreline was wide, and the water was clear and shallow. There was a breakwater far away from the beach, so the huge waves crashed far away, echoing deep rumbling sounds to the shore.
Despite the expensive rates, yucky meals (we were served the danggit and the worst hotdog for breakfast everyday), and below standard rooms, Punta Riviera is the safest choice in Bolinao. Yes, after seeing Treasures, and passing by the other resorts, I thought, Punta Riviera was the lesser evil. I do hope the resorts in Bolinao lower their rates and improve their standards. Compared to South East Asian resorts, Philippine resorts are way expensive and below standards. I really don't understand why.
For more information, visit the website of Punta Riviera Resort.
This is, by far, the worst experience I have ever had at any resort. I intend to post this message story everywhere I can on the Internet to warn people to stay away from Punta Riviera. As far as I am concerned as well as several other people that I have talked to so far, we would rather sleep in a park than ever stay at Punta Riviera.
ReplyDeleteWe were lucky Villa Carolina, though last minute still accommodated us for 1 more night. If not for Carol and Jan, we would have left Bolinao that night with a bad experience and unpleasant story to tell all friends and colleagues.
i would like to hear the story of your unpleasant experience in punta riviera. we are planning to have our summer outing there this march.
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